Hello.
I finally decided to jump into next level of tele-lenses and made a deal from refurb 200-400vr from local Nikon service. So far my Gitzo 2640L with Markins M10 has been providing good support for 70-200/2.8 and 300/4. I'm a bit doubting that traditional ballhead would be right one for this size of lens than 200-400/4 really is.
What is your preference: full swing-system, sidekick -type of bracket or just go ahead with M10.
Personally I really like Markins ballheads and just thought to have better and lower RRS-foot than Nikon original and try to avoid swings and sidekick. Does it work like this ??
What type of solution do you use with this lens?
Thanks in advance!
/jari

I use a gimbal style head with that lens and have the 4th generation lens foot attached to the lens.

I do the same as EJ

+1

Traditional ball-head of the right size can handle the weight and size of the 200-400 with no problem. I used wimberley sidekick (attached to a traditional ball-head) with that lens for better maneuverability that the combo can offer.

I have the Nikon 200-400mm f/4 VR1 which I use with a Wimberley gimbal style head - the first series WH-100. I have tried it on my Graf Studioball (pretty hefty ball head) as well as a much smaller Kirk BH-3 (just to see). No comparison on how much easier it is to shoot with the gimbal head. Once you have it balanced it is nice not having to worry about it flopping over. Having it on the ball head, I always had to worry about bumping the tensioning knob and creating a flopping over episode.

Thank you!
It looks like gimbal vs sidekick 4-1
My selection is still Wimberley Sidekick SK-100 as a first try. Hopefully I get it stable enough with my Gitzo and Markins. Although installing -removing ballhead from Gitzo is quite easy job when changing from gimbal to ballhead and back, I still dislike that job.
Tomorrow I will have both lens and sidekick at home. Next is to get right size of foot for 200-400.
Unfortunately SK-100 seller did not have right Wimberley foot now available, so this will take some days more. Recommended 4th Generation foot looks quite fine so maybe I'll place order of that.

As I travel a lot, I try to save weight and I find a side mount type of gimbal good enough for that lens. I use the Berno and I am quite happy with it.

Giulio